"The Last Leaf" is a short story written by O. Henry, first published in 1907. The story is set in Greenwich Village, New York, and follows the lives of two young artists, Johnsy and Sue.
Johnsy is a young woman who has fallen ill with pneumonia, and as she lies in bed, she becomes fixated on a vine outside her window. She believes that when the last leaf falls from the vine, she will die. Sue, her friend and roommate, tries to reassure her and keep her spirits up, but Johnsy remains convinced that her time is running out.
One night, a fierce storm blows through the city, and when Sue wakes up the next morning, she finds that all of the leaves on the vine have fallen, except for one. Johnsy is overjoyed and believes that this is a sign that she will recover.
As it turns out, the last leaf on the vine was not a natural occurrence. It was painted on the wall by the old artist who lived next door, Behrman. Behrman, who had been sick and bedridden himself, painted the leaf as a final act of defiance against death. When Sue discovers this, she is moved to tears, and Johnsy's spirits are lifted even further.
In the end, Johnsy recovers from her illness, and Behrman, who had been believed to be on his deathbed, also recovers. The story ends on a hopeful note, as the three friends celebrate Johnsy's recovery and Behrman's return to health.
"The Last Leaf" is a poignant and uplifting tale about the power of hope and the enduring human spirit. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal.